About Us
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. "
-Margaret Mead
About Friends Outside
Since 1955,
Friends Outside has been a visionary, pro-active
child and family advocate helping families, children and
incarcerated individuals cope with the trauma of arrest and
incarceration, find a new direction, and move forward with their
lives.
Our numerous years of experience working with
adults and young people involved in the criminal justice system have
provided us with the necessary tools to address the special
needs of families and children.
We are a nonprofit, community-based organization governed
by a Board of Directors to ensure our programs and services
are aligned with our mission, vision and values, and that the
highest standards of stewardship are maintained.
Our Mission
Improve the quality of life of families, children and communities
impacted by incarceration, and to assist with successful community
reentry and family reunification for those transitioning from
confinement to freedom
Our Vision
All those impacted by incarceration live with dignity as
contributing members
of our communities
Our Values
Advocacy. We actively support the rights of those we serve and bring about change by influencing attitudes, laws, policies and practices
Collaboration. We believe that our success requires working together with others toward a shared mission and goals
Commitment to Excellence. We strive for the highest level of quality in everything that we do
Empowerment. We promote independence, resourcefulness and personal responsibility in those we serve
Inclusiveness. We believe that there is strength in diversity and appreciate all individuals for their differences in characteristics, styles, backgrounds, motivations, values, and aspirations
Respect. We respect the individual worth, dignity and rights of those we serve
Social Justice. We hold that all persons have the right to benefit equally from the resources afforded by society and the environment and deserve equal treatment under the law regardless of class, gender, race, religion, citizenship, age or sexual orientation
Stewardship. We promote public trust by using our resources wisely, by holding ourselves to the highest standards and by being transparent in terms of our financial affairs and actions